With Phillies Stars Hitting The IL, Team's Depth Being Tested

With the Philadelphia Phillies down 7-4 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs on Thursday, Bryce Harper stepped into the box as the last hope. But as he grounded out to second, the Phillies lost much more than just the game.

They also lost Bryce Harper.

When Harper hit the bag he immediately grabbed his hamstring, limping uncomfortably and clearly in pain. Following the game it remained unclear how extensive the injuries were, but from Harper’s immediate reaction and his description that he’s “never felt anything like this before”, it sounded grim for the Phillies.

On Friday the Phillies announced that Harper would be placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring injury. Along with Harper, Kyle Schwarber also was placed on the 10-day injured list with a groin strain. Losing both Harper and Schwarber is a major blow for the Phillies, and it will test the team’s depth.

Throughout the season the Phillies have thrived even when injuries have served as roadblocks. When Trea Turner missed over a month with a left hamstring injury other Phillies players stepped up. J.T. Realmuto remains sidelined following knee surgery, and the backup catchers have held down the fort.

Losing two everyday players simultaneously will once again test the Phillies.

How Will The Phillies Fill The Void?

On Friday, Kody Clemens was activated from the IL and will start at first base, his first appearance since May 28. Clemons has had just 39 plate appearances this season, and though his OPS is .908 over that small sample, Harper’s shoes are nearly impossible to fill. Schwarber’s shoes are pretty tough to fill as well, especially considering how impressive he’s been as of late. In the last 30 games, Schwarber’s hitting .293 with a .954 OPS. Nick Castellanos takes over Schwarber’s designated hitter spot on Friday while Brandon Marsh slides over to right field.

Another option the Phillies could pursue is moving third baseman Alec Bohm to first. In 2023 with Rhys Hoskins out for the season Bohm played 80 games at first base, and this season he’s filled that role eight times. With that shift utility player Edmundo Sosa could fill the open spot at third base.

Back when Turner went to the IL, Sosa was asked to step up, serving as an everyday player for the Phillies. And in that role he certainly delivered, excelling on both the offensive and defensive ends. With Turner back, though, Sosa went back to his previous role, meaning he couldn’t contribute regularly. But now he has the potential to do just that with the Phillies down an infielder.

Filling the void left by Harper and Schwarber’s injuries will be challenging, to say the least. But this season the Phillies have proven their depth, and that will once again be put to the test. With series against the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers in the coming weeks, only time will tell how the Phillies respond.

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